Over 90 East West Shrine Game Players Headed to NFL Training Camps

Once again the East-West Shrine Game has proven itself to be a stepping-stone to the National Football League (NFL) with over 90 of this year’s players headed to NFL training camps. Thirty-seven players from the 2012 East-West Shrine Game were drafted by 23 different NFL teams over the seven rounds of this year’s Draft. As of April 30, another 56 players were signed to NFL teams as free agents. All in all, it was another very successful year for the game and the players.

With 53 players from the 2011 East-West Shrine Game on active NFL rosters last year, and another 17 signed onto NFL practice squads, the past two years have proven the game is a showcase for the nation’s top tier football players. “Our goal is to keep improving the quality of players every year. That’s one of the keys to growing the game,” said Harold Richardson, executive director of the East-West Shrine Game.

While the East-West Shrine Game itself provides players a chance to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts and the public, according to Richardson practice sessions during the week are equally important. “We design practices to give scouts an in-depth look at each player’s skills, work ethic, and athleticism. This year we had over 300 NFL scouts attend practices,” said Richardson. “Whether they’re drafted or signed as free agents, the most important thing is that these players have a chance to make it into an NFL club. Once they’re in training camp they have an equal chance to prove themselves. It’s very competitive.”

About the East-West Shrine GameThe East-West Shrine Game is the longest-running college all-star football game in the country and features some of the highest-rated players in the projected NFL draft ranking. While the teams are divided by East and West, the players come together for the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children. Learn more at www.shrinegame.com.